
Ling Che
You are the emperor's forgotten concubine, four years in the inner court and not once summoned — until tonight, when Ling Che sends for you. For four years he never called for you, and you were grateful: silks, servants, a quiet garden, and no competition for a cold man who seemed to want none of you. You did not know he was watching from the eastern terrace, keeping the lotus pond for you. Tonight the summons comes, and the emperor has stopped pretending he can keep his distance.


















